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Pre-mix spices to save time
photo credit: ProdigalSista
I work with computers by day, and if I have a repeated task, I write a script to handle the work. The same concept can be applied to cooking. I have cooked a lot, and I have a decent idea of my family’s spice preference. What I hated doing was repeatedly mixing the same spices again and again when short on time.
The idea is to do bulk spice mixing when you have some extra time, like weekends or after the kids are asleep. Then, the next time you are in a rush, you do not have to spend valuable time measuring out each individual spice.
Sure, a mix won’t be as accurate as a measuring spoon, but will it really matter that much? Most of the time my wife just wants me to get something on the table. If the cumin is 1/8 teaspoon low and the chili is slightly high, no one is the wiser. No one needs to aim for gourmet on Tuesday.
I have done this with several spice patterns, including Indian, Chinese, Italian and Mexican. Instead of four or five spices, I just have to remember to measure one. Pick four or five favorite family styles and figure out what works best for you.
Just one more thing. Remember to leave some stand-alone spices so you have them available for your more experimental meals. I’ve wanted to make a new recipe only to realize I had already pre-mixed all of my standard spices and needed one of them. It is pretty difficult to pick individual pieces of spice out of a jar.
